Comparing current PTTL-compatible flash options

[Arpe]

Thank you so much for your time. Actually I meant Auto as in - "I don't know what I'm doing please help me" - so I think P-TTL is fine!
How come nobody mentions Sunpak?

[Arpe]

And why doesn't B&H have Promaster? Can't find them in this country and really don't want to spread my credit card number too widely! Grrr.

[Tom M]

not sure why b&h doesn't have promaster- maybe they don't want to commit to the requirements? They would have to offer full support as well as replacement - b&h does not strike me as that sort of company - Why don't we ask Henry?

OK - it's loaded...

[Tom M]

Testing the Promaster 7500EDF flash gun in "Multi" mode - Set to 10/25

[Peter Zack]

Thanks for all the great info Tom. Exellent research and work. Thanks to Matt as well.

I've been searching for an alternative to the 540 (worried about reliablity since I do paid work) and was considering the Metz 58. The Metz has the option of an external battery pack but it's $500! at B&H. So the Promaster seems like the way to go. I think I'll get one and a 540 (I have a TR power pack for this and it's a great add on for a day of shooting). So I'll have a backup flash incase the 540 lets me down when I need it most.

I wrote Promaster to try and find a dealer in Canada but if they have non I may send you a PM and see if I can get one shipped out of the states in the next month or so.

[Tom M]

FYI - The appeal to Promaster in my opinion is that it is indeed a quality product that the manufacturer stands behind. But, not every retailer wants to carry the product because repair or warranty work is handled on the spot, in the store.. Meaning, if my unit breaks, I return it to the store for a replacement and THEY have to deal with the manufacturer.

Go here.. Promaster Look at what they offer. And, look closely at the LENSES they offer For example - Does this look familiar????

[mattdm]

I do appreciate the research into the promaster flash, but I was hoping for this thread to be more high-level. Can we take the detailed investigation and back-and-forth to the Accessories forum? Thanks!

EDIT: I am actually interested, but I'd just rather keep this clean, is all. Not trying to be a jerk or anything.

[mattdm]

I added a few more numbers for the maximum-zoom GNs. This is relevant when shooting with focal lengths of about 57mm and up.

[zeek10d]

I managed to quick test the RIVA/Lexus/Tumax SB-880AF. I strongly believe it has P-TTL but no swirl, manual, wireless or EV adjustment. Here's the test of ISO100 1/180s direct flash with no diffuser.

f2.8


f8.0


f9.5


Product details;
TUMAX SB-880AF

Also other rebrand model of Sakar 952AF/PEN are Lexus/Riva SB-3000AFP & DPT386AFZ-P

[zeek10d]

I believe the Sakar 952AF/PEN GN is not 38 but around 30-32. The Riva SB-3000AFP is another rebrand of 952AF/PEN

Here's a compare with AF-360FGZ (GN 36 at 85mm ISO100)

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by zeek10d

I believe the Sakar 952AF/PEN GN is not 38 but around 30-32. The Riva SB-3000AFP is another rebrand of 952AF/PEN

Interesting, thanks. I suspected the numbers were overstated given the price (and everything else). Any chance of testing against the AF360FGZ at 50mm? (Which is to say, approximately 33mm on a dSLR, since the flash numbers are all done in full-frame terms...)

[creampuff]

Originally Posted by mattdm

...since the flash numbers are all done in full-frame terms...)

GN is derived from aperture x distance. There should be no difference at all whether measured "in full frame terms" or otherwise.

[zeek10d]

Here you go^^ BTW these are ceiling bounced.

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by creampuff

GN is derived from aperture x distance. There should be no difference at all whether measured "in full frame terms" or otherwise.

It matters for flashes with zoom reflectors. Having the flash set to the 50mm position (which is expressed in 35mm full-frame terms) is a standard measuring point for most flash makers so it's what I chose to use as a base for comparison.

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by zeek10d

Here you go^^ BTW these are ceiling bounced.

Hmmm. Don't they both go to the widest zoom at that point?

Not trying to make you jump through hoops. I just want to be comparing roughly the same sort of fruit that manufacturers use in their own listed numbers.